From Lahore to Multan and Karachi: Courtroom assaults raise questions about public anger and justice

A series of incidents involving suspects being assaulted inside court premises has sparked debate over public frustration with crime

LAHORE/MULTAN/KARACHI:  A series of incidents involving suspects being assaulted inside court premises has sparked debate over public frustration with crime and the growing tendency towards instant punishment. Reported incidents in Multan and Karachi have highlighted concerns about the treatment of accused persons and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

Multan: Lawyers Assault Suspect in Teenager’s Death Case

One incident occurred at the Multan District Courts, where lawyers allegedly assaulted Tauqeer Nazir, a suspect in the death of 15-year-old orphan Waseem Abbas, who belonged to Muzaffargarh.

According to police, Waseem had been living at an orphanage in Multan for approximately five years. About a week before the incident, the orphanage administration reportedly sent him to electrical contractor Tauqeer Nazir to learn electrical work.

Police sources said the teenager allegedly faced harsh treatment, verbal abuse, excessive working hours and psychological distress. He reportedly fled to Royal Orchard Housing Society.

CCTV footage obtained by Minute Mirror reportedly shows the boy running barefoot and seeking help before a white Honda car, registration number BVE-474, struck him near an iron gate. He sustained fatal injuries at the scene.

Police registered a case under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code against Tauqeer Nazir and his alleged accomplice, Amjad Ali. Tauqeer was arrested at the scene, while Amjad reportedly escaped.

When Tauqeer was produced before Judicial Magistrate Saadia Aslam for physical remand, lawyers allegedly surrounded him, tore his clothes and assaulted him with slaps and punches. Police personnel intervened to control the situation.

Police later claimed Tauqeer escaped custody during remand and was subsequently killed in an alleged encounter with the Crime Control Department on Bahawalpur Northern Bypass. Reports suggested that a bullet fired by his accomplice may have caused his death. A petition has reportedly been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking an impartial investigation into the encounter.

Karachi: Women Assault Suspect in Job Fraud Case

A separate incident was reported at the court of a Judicial Magistrate in Karachi’s East district, where women allegedly assaulted a suspect accused of defrauding jobseekers.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly advertised fake employment opportunities in garment factories, beauty parlours and US-based call centres, offering monthly salaries ranging from Rs35,000 to Rs45,000.

He reportedly invited applicants to rented premises in Saddar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Nazimabad, asking them to deposit their mobile phones before interviews. Investigators allege that he then escaped with the devices.

Police records reportedly contain complaints from 52 women. At the time of his arrest in Liaquatabad, police recovered 18 mobile phones, 12 SIM cards and allegedly fraudulent visiting cards. Investigators also attributed more than 40 incidents to the suspect.

When police brought him to court for physical remand, several alleged victims recognised him and attacked him with slippers. Police intervened before presenting him before the magistrate.

The court reportedly granted one-day physical remand and directed police to recover the remaining phones and return identified devices to their owners. Raids are also underway to trace suspected accomplices.

Instant Justice or Rule of Law?

Legal observers warn that courtroom assaults undermine judicial proceedings, regardless of public anger. They stress that allegations must be investigated fairly and punishment imposed through the courts rather than violence.

The incidents highlight the need for effective policing, victim protection and timely trials. Ultimately, public confidence depends on a justice system that holds offenders accountable while protecting the legal rights of every accused person.